Kosrae's Pristine Reefs Protected

Unique Eco-Conservation and Restoration Projects

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. October 14, 2008

TOFOL, Kosrae, June 16, 2007. Federated States of Micronesia - The still-unspoiled Micronesian island of Kosrae is the payoff of over a decade of community-driven eco-conservation projects that have helped to protect the island's extensive and fragile coral-reef systems as well as its jungles and ancient forests. For divers and travelers keen on visiting and supporting ecologically aware areas, Kosrae is a destination of choice.

According to Andy George, director of the Kosrae Conservation and Safety Organization (KCSO), there are a number of ecologically focused projects underway on Kosrae, many which rely on volunteer support, both from residents and visitors, Founded in 1998, the KCSO is a NGO focusing on marine and terrestrial environmental protection and conservation. It is one of the primary Micronesian NGOs working in partnership with The Nature Conservancy and others to address the critical issues facing these areas.

Ongoing conservation projects on Kosrae include:

Mooring Buoy Replacement Program:

Installed in 1997, Kosrae's mooring buoy system (56 buoys on 43 miles of reef) has helped to greatly reduce the damage caused by anchoring boats. Its installation united fishermen, Kosrae State staff and dive operators and included an island-wide awareness campaign on the value of coral reefs and the importance of the buoy system. The system is maintained regularly.

Coral Monitoring Program:

Kosrae's reefs are thought to be among the most pristine in the world. This program, which has helped keep them that way, has just celebrated its 10th anniversary and the results are unmistakable. The Kosrae Village Ecolodge, which in 2006 was honored with the AWARE Foundation Award for Environmental Achievement for its leading role in the reef protection work, started the formal Reef Protection Project in 1996, organizing the first group of volunteer sport divers to survey the state of the reef. A decade later, coral monitoring continues to be the cornerstone of the Reef Protection Project. Over the years the program has created a profound change on the island. Attitudes about reef conservation and protection have changed and almost every Kosraen can explain the value of the reef resource and the importance of its sustainability.

School Curriculum: The Kosrae Department of Marine Resources has developed a class on coral reef ecology and monitoring for ninth graders.

Utwe Biosphere Preserve:

The Utwe Biosphere Reserve (UBR) ranks as one of the most unique ecological sites in the Pacific. In 2005, UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Reserve Program officially recognized the Utwe Biosphere Reserve, placing it in a prestigious group of biosphere reserves located around the world. The designated areas within the Utwe Biosphere Reserve encompass significant areas of lagoon, reef, mangrove, swamp, and river and stream habitats. The total area is approximately 4380 acres.

Utwe and Lelu Marine Parks:

Utwe-Walung Marine Park, also known as the Utwe-Walung Conservation area was established in 1994. The Lelu Marine Park is a new establishment. Also known locally as the Awane Marine Park. The intent of both parks is to work in the community to preserve and maintain the diversity and abundance of living things and to support sustainable development and heighten awareness of the need for conservation and the wise use of resources. Plans are underway for several other protected marine areas.

Yela Ka Forest: Kosrae has a unique forested area - the Yela Ka Forest - that KCSO, the Kosrae Island Management Area (KIRMA), the Nature Conservancy and others are working to preserve. The forest contains what many scientists consider to be the world's last remaining intact stand of Terminala Carloninensis trees, which act as filters and purifiers between the upland mountains and the mangroves, sea-grass beds and reefs.

Kosrae also has a variety of "everyday" environmental programs - such as recycling - that add value to the visitor's experience, although many don't know it. For more information about Kosrae conservation initiatives, email to the office of the Kosrae Visitors Bureau at ([email protected]) or the Kosrae Conservation and Safety Organization at [email protected].

ABOUT KOSRAE Kosrae is an adventure traveler's paradise and an internationally acclaimed dive destination. To learn more about the many secret delights that are Kosrae, go to http://www.kosrae.com.